Behind-the-scenes tour with the Laird of Breckness Estate

Get first-hand insight into life as a Laird on Orkney with a private estate tour.

Nestled within the Breckness Estate, Skaill House is known as the finest 17th-century mansion in Orkney. Dating from 1620 and helmed by 12 lairds (Scottish lords) over four centuries, this carefully restored property has welcomed royalty and artists, from the Queen Mother to Seamus Heaney.

On a private tour with the estate’s owner — Major Malcolm Macrae, the 12th Laird of Breckness — you’ll go behind the scenes to discover the history of the house and gain insight into the fascinating life of a laird. You’ll begin your tour in the grand drawing room with tea and fancies (Scottish cakes and biscuits), before being led by the laird on an exclusive tour of the estate.

As you explore the historic rooms and extensive gardens, he’ll introduce you to objects collected by all 12 lairds — from Iron-Age finds unearthed nearby to the bed of the first laird of Breckness — and unpack stories of how these possessions came to be. You’ll discover how Captain Cook’s dinner service ended up here, learn about the pre-Norse burial ground on the estate, and hear first-hand tales of inheritance and encounters with royalty.

The tour also takes in the neolithic village of Skara Brae, whose ancient ruins are among Europe’s best-preserved prehistoric settlements. Here, you’ll get a look at what life was like in Orkney 5,000 years ago. You’ll finish the tour back in the drawing room with a cocktail or dram of whisky, before leaving with a bottle of Skaill House gin personally signed by the laird.

Private tours take place in the evening, from 5-7:30pm.